Everyone we now know and love was once a stranger. I live by that maxim when I consider that there was time when those dearest to me weren’t even on my radar screen. Taking into consideration past lives, I acknowledge a familiarity and soul friend recognition when I ‘re-meet’ some folks. I have connected with people in all sorts of circumstances ranging from classes and workshops, to supermarket checkout lines, from spiritual communities to the gym, from parties to professional settings, from coffee shops to chiropractors’ offices. Opportunities are everywhere.

What about ‘random’ pair-ups of those who have never before laid eyes on each other? I saw a video just now that featured such a feat via CBS News On The Road. Film-maker Richard Renaldi took to the streets of New York City with his camera and a revolutionary idea. Gather together two or more people who have not yet met and pose them for photos. The trick is to take those who on the surface would seem to be polar opposites in terms of age, cultural and socio economic background and have them in short order seem as if they are bosom buddies, dear friends, close family members. The results were stunningly beautiful. I found myself experiencing goosebumps as I watched magic unfold. On a few occasions, the models seemed uncomfortable (two men who stood rather stiffly side by side), but for the most part, it looked like many had known each other all their lives.

I would love to have been part of this project. Perhaps Richard will be doing this in Philly (The City of Brotherly Love… I add and Sisterly Affection)

This speaks volumes about our common humanity; that we are more alike than different. That we are indeed family of choice and chance.

Edie Weinstein

Rev. Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW is a Renaissance Woman and Bliss Mistress who delights in inviting people to live rich, full, juicy lives. Edie is an internationally recognized, sought after, colorfully creative journalist, interviewer and author, a dynamic and inspiring speaker, licensed social worker, interfaith minister, offering uniquely designed spiritual rituals. In addition, she is a PR Goddess, promoting events and transformational teachers, healers, writers and artists. She is a frequent guest on radio and TV. Her first best-selling book entitled The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming the Ordinary Into The Extraordinary is now available, and she is offering a workshop for people who want to re-create their lives, based on those concepts.